Can Solar Panels Work Without Direct Sunlight?

Since more and more people are striving to live a greener lifestyle, improve their health, and protect the environment, it is no wonder that the popularity of having solar panels has increased. Solar panels take the energy directly for sunlight, of course, that is why they work perfectly in the climate with the abundance of sunlight. Due to powerful sun rays, solar panels use daylight to generate electricity and that is why they work well during daylight. However, the question remains whether solar panels can work without direct sunlight. Believe it or not, the answer is yes. Here is how it functions.

Solar Panels one on one

Solar panels or photovoltaics cells merge energy conversion using the photo-electrochemical process. The panels are usually installed on the rooftops where they can get as much of this energy because they use it from the sun. Consequently, it is true that solar panels work best when they are installed somewhere where they are directly exposed to the sun’s energy. Even though direct sunlight provides the ideal conditions for the panel to work, daylight is what is actually needed for them to function without any problems. On an average sunny day, a solar panel has an efficiency of 17%, meaning that is the amount of sun’s energy it transforms into electricity. The solar cells attract and convert the sun’s energy and in that way, it can easily power a household and significantly reduce your electricity bill.

How can solar panels work without direct sunlight?

Once installed, they will generate power from the sun. Ideally, it would be great if there is a lot of sun, but dark clouds, rainy days, or different climate don’t need to impede the solar panel’s function, especially if they are properly installed. KDEC solar panels have their installations backed with quality components, which is extremely essential when you want to install panels for the first time. Once installed, in order to produce photons, solar panels need natural daylight rather than sunlight itself. For that reason, solar panels don’t need to be installed directly facing the sun, and they would work properly without direct sunlight. Sunlight creates the optimum condition, but the effect would be almost equal on a cold spring day, or misty winter day.

Can solar panels work in bad weather conditions?

Depending on the time of the year, latitude, and various weather conditions, solar panels may be able to generate electricity if there is enough daylight. Even if your property doesn’t offer the perfect environment, and the weather conditions are poor due to constant mist or heavy rain, solar panels will certainly give your household enough energy needed for survival. You might not be able to have multiple machines plugged in and working at the same time, but you could have electricity without any problems. Basically, solar lights can be used all year round in various temperatures. Only strong winds and hards gale might knock off the panels from the rooftop, and you might need to clean the snow off the panels, in all other cases there is no reason for concern.

Do clouds, shade or other elements impede the work of solar panels?

Since solar panels use daylight to produce electricity for your home, clouds, shade or any other environmental obstruction doesn’t impede the work of solar panels. Basically, they can cope with shade, but if you want to get the maximum out of this green solution, you had better install it somewhere where it is not always shady. On the other hand, solar panels use lenses and mirrors to maximize any light reaching the PV cells, so clouds are not a problem as well.

All in all, if you live in an area that is prone to bad weather conditions, and if the environment is less than ideal, quality installed solar panels will function efficiently in various conditions.